Hidden Gems: Meet Cole Swim of Tread Woodworking

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Swim

Hi Cole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Colorado and moved here to Arizona when I was 13. I remember back in Colorado, my dad was a finish carpenter and used to take me to the job site every now and then and that was my first exposure to woodworking and building things with wood. After moving to Arizona, he was still in the trade so I was still around the industry and started to build my own things and really started developing a passion for it. I took high school wood shop and that propelled my passion for woodworking to a new level. After high school, I joined the Navy and served for six years and I also got married to my high school sweetheart. Obviously due to the nature of the job, woodworking took a back seat for a while. It wasn’t until after deployment, I was able to get all my own tools and I was able to build again. Fast forward a few years, now living back here in Arizona, my wife and I have two amazing kids and with the support of my parents, we have now taken our passion for woodworking and turned it into a business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think every story has struggles and mine is no different. A huge struggle growing up was moving to a different state. Adjusting to a new life was tough but having a strong family life at home really helped with that. And with most things, as time passes, it gets easier. As for current struggles, balance between family life and work is always ongoing. Finding time to build everything and still have time to have family activities is tough. Luckily, I have an amazing support system with my wife, my parents, and my wife’s parents, and between all of us, we always find a way to finish all our projects and still have time for family.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tread Woodworking?
Tread Woodworking is a Veteran owned wood shop ran and operated by myself, my dad, Casey, and the support of our family. Together we build cutting boards, charcuterie boards, epoxy boards, tables and we can do custom engraving. We use a variety of natural wood species and finish our products with all natural oils and waxes. We love taking custom orders and working with each client to ensure they get exactly what they have in mind. We are meticulous and ensure all our pieces come out to the best of our ability. We can be found online through our website, Instagram and Facebook, or you can come see us in person at one of the many markets we participate in throughout the valley.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
So I’m a certified EMT (emergency medical technician) and was actually working on ambulances during the height of Covid. And I’m not sure I learned anything specific but during that time it was a great reminder to be grateful for everything you have. Covid really showed us that anything can happen and things can turn for the worse very quickly so we shouldn’t take anything for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://treadwoodworking.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadwoodworking/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/61566781881307/